On 20 December 2025, locals in Jabalpur city alleged that blind children were brought to a Christmas programme held at a church behind Hawabag College, where attempts were made to influence them toward conversion to Christianity through Christmas-related activities. The incident forms part of a report of ten documented cases between 2017 and 2025, documenting allegations that Evangelical groups have used Christmas events as a means to promote religious conversion across different regions.
#1 Blind Children Allegedly Converted During Christmas Program in Jabalpur (2025)
On 20 December 2025, locals in Jabalpur city alleged that blind children were brought to a Christmas program held at a church located behind Hawabag College. According to the allegations, the children were influenced through Christmas-related activities and religious messaging, with attempts made to convert them to Christianity. Locals confronted church authorities, claiming that the event was being used to lure vulnerable children under the guise of celebration. No official police action was reported at the time of publication.
#2 Kashimira Church Members Accused of Conversion During Christmas Event (2024)
On 25 December 2024, church members in Kashimira, Mumbai, were accused of attempting religious conversion during a Christmas celebration involving slum residents. According to reports, attendees were allegedly urged to renounce Hindu deities and embrace Christianity. A video circulating online showed children participating in the event, after which Hindutva activists intervened, asking them to declare their religious identity and recite Hindu prayers. The confrontation disrupted the program. No formal police case or arrest was reported in connection with the incident.
#3 Conversion Allegation Leads to Arrest in Gorakhpur (2024)
On 22 December 2024, Laxmi Yadav was accused of influencing people to convert to Christianity in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, during the Christmas period. Authorities stated that the activity involved Christian religious practices and outreach. Following complaints, police registered a case under the Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion law. Yadav was arrested and remanded to judicial custody. A lower court later denied bail. The matter remained under legal proceedings, with police citing statutory provisions governing unlawful religious conversion.
#4 Alleged Mass Conversion During Christmas in Uttarkashi (2023)
On 23 December 2023, a mass conversion programme was alleged to have taken place in Chhiwala village, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Pastor Jejaras Cornelius of the Union Church of Mussoorie, his wife Pushpa Cornelius, and four other missionaries were accused of organising the event outside a newly constructed NGO building in the Devdhung area of Purola. Villagers alleged that Christian prayers, literature distribution, and evangelism were used to mislead locals into conversion. Police registered an FIR and stated that investigation was underway under the amended Religious Freedom Act.
#5 Family Converts to Christianity During Christmas in Gonda (2022)
On 25 December 2022, in Belsar town near Ragadganj, Gonda district, a family publicly stated that they had converted from Hinduism to Christianity during Christmas celebrations. Narsingh, along with around 12 family members from the Nat community, said they adopted Christianity after following Christian religious practices and believing it helped in matters of illness and faith. He further stated that additional relatives later accepted Christianity. No police case or coercion allegation was officially recorded in the matter.
#6 Pastor Lazarus Accused of Forced Conversion in Uttarkashi (2022)
On December 23, 2022, locals in Purola village, Uttarkashi, accused Pastor Lazarus, his wife Sushma Cornelius, and members of a Christian organisation of conducting forced conversion during a Christmas event at the under-construction Hope and Light Centre. Villagers and Nepali citizens were present, leading to protests by Hindu groups. Christian literature was reportedly recovered, and clashes broke out during the confrontation. Police registered FIRs based on complaints from both sides. Pastor Lazarus and his wife were arrested and later released after tensions subsided.
#7 Conversion Allegation Against Pastor in Kathua on Christmas Day (2021)
On 25 December 2021, Pastor Chunglenlal Singsit from Manipur was accused by locals in Padyari village, Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, of attempting to convert Dalit residents. The allegations stated that he offered prayers and distributed money during a Christmas visit to a family. When confronted, police intervened and questioned both the pastor and the host family. Police reportedly confirmed that a religious conversion had taken place. No formal arrest or prosecution details were disclosed.
#8 Christmas Event Halted Over Conversion Claims in Pataudi (2021)
On 25 December 2021, Christian organisers were accused of converting attendees during a Christmas celebration held at SBD Public School in Pataudi, Haryana. The programme allegedly involved speeches and drama promoting Christianity, with around 55 attendees, including women and children. Following protests by right-wing groups, the event was halted. Police intervened and later stated that no formal complaint had been filed, and no further legal action was taken.
#9 Mandya School Accused of Forcing Christian Practices on Students (2021)
On 19 December 2021, parents accused Nirmala English High School in Mandya, Karnataka, run by the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, of imposing Christian practices on non-Christian students. Allegations included compulsory participation in Christmas and Good Friday events, daily Christian prayers, Bible distribution, and enforced fasting. A complaint was submitted citing violations of constitutional provisions and the Juvenile Justice Act. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights took cognisance of the complaint.
#10 Conversion Allegations During Christmas Event in Pratapgarh (2017)
On 21 December 2017, Christian organisers were accused of conducting religious conversions during a Christmas celebration at a community centre in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan. Around 30 people attended the dinner event, during which Christian literature was allegedly distributed and conversion promoted. The organisers had obtained official permission to use the government facility. Following complaints, police detained two members of the organising team for questioning. No further legal outcome was reported.
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